Staff Reporter
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo said on Monday a partnership with a residents’ association and a private-sector safety initiative had upgraded Galliot Park with fencing, controlled access, and solar lighting.
The city parks department said the work, done with the Glenhazel Residents Association and CAP Green, was aimed at adopting, maintaining, and protecting the park as “a safe, secure, and welcoming green public open space”.
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It said the upgrades included improved perimeter fencing with controlled access points, solar-powered lighting in key areas, and other safety measures intended to support regular community use.
The project was designed to show what could be achieved when local government, communities, and private partners worked together to restore public spaces, the city said.
“Galliot Park demonstrates the power of community ownership and partnership,” said Thanduxolo Mendrew, managing director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
“When residents, business, and government work together, public spaces are transformed into places of pride, safety, and opportunity. These collaborations allow us to protect green spaces, support healthy childhood development, and strengthen the social fabric of our city,” Mendrew said.
CAP Green CEO Amanda Porter said the condition of public spaces had a direct bearing on safety and public confidence.
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“Urban decay and public safety are closely linked. Clean, well-maintained public spaces reduce opportunistic crime and help restore community confidence,” she said.
“By reimagining public spaces in ways that foster pride, connection, and a sense of belonging, we aim to inspire people to love where they live.”
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo said safe, well-maintained parks played an important role in child development by encouraging physical activity, motor skill development and family connection, while also giving communities places to gather.
It thanked the Glenhazel Residents Association and Community Protection Solutions NPC, also known as CAP Security, for backing the project.
The city said the Galliot Park upgrade should serve as an invitation to other organisations to invest in similar partnerships to help create safer and more vibrant urban spaces.
